Football Archives - Page 41 of 53

ZIDANE’S COMMENT ON THE POSSIBILITY OF CHRISTIANO RONALDO’S RETURN

March 12, 2021 No Comments

Zinedine Zidane spoke to the media on Friday lunchtime, previewing Real Madrid’s Saturday afternoon clash with Elche and answering questions a wide range of topics. Discussing the game itself, he said: “There are no easy games. We know our opponents are in the lower half of the table, but they’re a good team.

They’ve had a lot of good games in this season, with their new coach too. So, we know we need to play a good game to take the three points. We’ve welcomed back Sergio Ramos and Eden Hazard for tomorrow’s game. They could have minutes, but I won’t reveal my line-up now of course.”

Coach Zidane was asked about Christiano Ronaldo especially on the possibility of his return to Real Madrid. On that, Zidane said: “You know what Cristiano Ronaldo means for Real Madrid. You know the affection we have for him at Real Madrid. What he did here was magnificent. Right now he’s a Juventus player and he’s doing really well there. I can’t say anything about all the many things they say. I can only say that he is a Juventus player and we have to respect that.”

Football

Haaland might be the new priority for Real Madrid FC

March 11, 2021 No Comments

Real Madrid is on the lookout for Erling Haaland despite the fact that other clubs are arguably interested.

Erling Haaland – who by the way is the fastest player to reach 20 Champions League goals, might be the new No 1 target for Real Madrid this summer, since he is probably a more possible signing than Kylian Mbappe.

However, there is a good chance that Barcelona might be in the race for his signing as well. Borussia Dortmund’s finances aren’t the best they’ve been and this gives Los Blancos some hope for the move. On the other hand, Barcelona’s financial situation is well known, and they might have to sell before they can fund such a move for the young star.

Let’s keep our fingers crossed. It will be interesting to see how this year’s transfer saga plays out.

Football

‘We don’t deserve to leave so soon’ – Griezmann reveals Barca regret after Champions League exit to PSG

March 11, 2021 No Comments

The Blaugrana were extremely wasteful in the last 16 as their hopes of qualifying for the quarter finals evaporated

Antoine Griezmann has revealed the regret in Barcelona’s dressing room after their inability to cash in on first-half chances doomed them to a 5-2 aggregate defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League last 16.

The forward said the team deserved better following its “big” second-leg performance that ended 1-1 despite the Catalans owning 72 per cent of possession and putting 10 shots on target.

In addition to an array of opportunities from open play, including one that saw Sergino Dest have an effort tipped on to the post, Lionel Messi had a spot kick blocked by Keylor Navas.

“We don’t deserve to leave so soon in Champions League, neither do the fans, but that’s the way it is,”

“They didn’t know how to defend,” the attacker added to RMC Sport. “There is this incredible goal from Leo and then the penalty. But Navas was amazing.

“We played a big game, especially in the first half.

“We can have regrets about going there. It’s a shame but that’s how it is, this is football, this is the Champions League.

“We have [Messi], we have possession, we knew we were going to have chances but we didn’t know how to put them [away]. There is still a long way to go to finish the season.”

Griezmann also commented on his inconsistent playing time of late at Barcelona, dismissing speculation he’s unhappy.

“Sometimes I am on the bench, sometimes I play 90 minutes,” he said. “I am at the service of the team. I’m trying to have fun and prepare well for the end of the season including the Euros because we have a big competition ahead of us with the national team.”

Football

LIVERPOOL IS SET FOR UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE QUARTER FINALS

March 11, 2021 No Comments

Egypt and Senegal internationals inspired Jurgen Klopp’s men to the quarter-finals of the European competition

Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane scored to help Liverpool secure a 2-0 victory over RB Leipzig in Wednesday’s Champions League game.

The victory at Anfield helped the Reds advance into the quarter-finals of the European competition on a 4-0 aggregate after securing a 2-0 win in the first leg.

Salah has been the standout performer for the Reds this season and against the Red Bulls, he shone to ensure his side progressed in the tournament.
Mane was afforded his eighth appearance in the Champions League this season and utilized the opportunity to add to his tally.

RB Leipzig dominated the first half of the game but failed to get the ball into the back of the net, missing a few chances which they paid for in the second half.

After the restart, Liverpool seemed to awake from their slumber as they pressed aggressively for the opener.

Their efforts paid off when Salah broke the deadlock in the 70th minute after receiving a timely assist from Diogo Jota.

The Egypt international, thus, took his goal tally to 25 this season, scoring the most across all competitions among the Premier League stars.

Four minutes later, Mane doubled Liverpool’s lead with a fine effort after benefitting from Divock Origi’s assist.The forward has now bagged 12 goals in the knock-out stage of the elite European competition since he made his

debut and only Juventus star Cristiano Ronaldo has scored more than him since the 2017-18 season.

Mane has now scored 12 goals and provided five assists across all competitions in the 2020-21 campaign for Liverpool.

Salah was recently rewarded for his impressive goalscoring form, winning Liverpool’s Goal of the Month for February and has now clinched the individual accolade six times on the bounce.

The forward along with Mane will hope to continue their impressive performances in front of goal when the Reds take on Wolverhampton Wanderers in their next league game on March 15.

Football

Varane considering leaving Real Madrid

March 10, 2021 No Comments

Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane is considering a departure from the club as soon as next summer, according to a report published on AS. Varane’s contract expires in the summer of 2022 and Real Madrid would sell the player this summer if he refuses to sign a contract extension with Los Blancos, per that same report.

Varane is 28 years old and Real Madrid don’t want to lose him as a free agent in 2022 when they could cash in some money for him this summer. That said, selling Varane is not a priority and it would only be done if the defender proves that he doesn’t want to extend his contract.

It’s been more than 10 years since Real Madrid signed Varane away from Lens for €10 million, and while that deal definitely paid off, it would be a pity to lose him in the current financial context now that he has reached his peak as a player.

The French defender is probably trying to get a better deal than his current contract, but if he truly wants to find a new challenge Real Madrid should probably sell and then focus on finding a replacement in the transfer market.

AS’ report mentions Alaba, Joules Kounde and Pau Torres as the main candidates to join Real Madrid if Varane leaves the club this summer.

Football

Sergio Ramos, Eden Hazard rejoin Real Madrid squad in training

March 10, 2021 No Comments

Sergio Ramos and Eden Hazard completed Wednesday’s training session with the rest of Real Madrid’s squad as they have recovered from their respective injuries. Both of them should be ready to play when Madrid face Elche this Saturday.

Mariano Diaz and Dani Carvajal are now the two only injured players for Madrid, who have recovered most of the depth they lost during the last weeks and will be able to rely on a very strong team when they take on Atalanta in the return leg of the Champions League.

All things considered, coach Zinedine Zidane will likely take a cautious approach with both of them. Varane and Nacho have been getting the job done defensively and Hazard’s issues with muscle injuries are problematic enough to make sure that he is slowly worked back into the team.

Furthermore, Ramos’ injury was a serious one, so it would be better for both Real Madrid and the defender to be patient.

Football

The Real Madrid Football Academy has been unveiled in Port Harcourt

March 10, 2021 No Comments

It was a gathering of football stars in Port Harcourt on Tuesday when Minister of Youth and sports Development, Mr Sunday Dare unveiled the Real Madrid Football Academy.

While commissioning the academy that combines football with education, the minister gave the assurance that the institution would not only create jobs, but produce world class future stars.

Dare said from time immemorial, Rivers State had a reputation for producing notable sports people like the Great Jaja of Opobo, Alfred Diette Spiff, Justice Karibe Whyte, foremost viriologist Professor Tam David West as well as two Sports Ministers Alabo Graham Douglas and Tammy Danagogo.

He said “Today’s event is therefore not only epochal but special and monumental. I’m confident that the Real Madrid Academy will produce fantastic players in the mould of Paul Hamilton, Justice Adokiye Amaesimaka, Jossy Dombraye, Taribo West, Furo Iyenemi and Nigeria’s most capped player Joseph Yobo. The foundation for the actualisation of this dream has been laid today”.

Dare went on to say that even as the duo of Emmanuel Amuneke and Gbenga Okunowo had played for Real Madrid bitter rivals Barcelona, no Nigerian has played for the Galaticos.

He, however, opined that the brand new academy could change that trajectory by producing new Raul Gonzalez, Roberto Carlos, Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldo and a host of others.”

The minister, therefore, assured the Rivers State Government of the unflinching support of the Federal Ministry of Youth and sports Development to ensure the implementation of the academy’s mandate.

It will be recalled that the Real Madrid Football Academy, Port-Harcourt was founded in 2019 by the Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike having been given the Franchise to operate by the Real Madrid Foundation.

Football

Champions League R-16 second leg : DAY 2

March 10, 2021 No Comments

The Round of 16 games of our much-loved competition continue on Wednesday. More specifically, we’ve got:

Liverpool vs RB Leipzig (current agg. 2-0), and of course
Paris Saint Germain VS Barcelona (current agg. 4-1)

There’s probably little point in asking which one most of us are more interested in. It will be quite interesting to see whether Barcelona can pile the pressure on PSG and pull a comeback like that comeback, though this Paris Saint Germain team have a point to prove and won’t easily let qualification slip through their fingers.

As for the other game, it may be unwise to consider the job done already, as Liverpool have been anything but commendable at home lately and Leipzig are a very decent team. All in all, this ought to be an interesting night of football (or day, depending on where you live).

So what’s your take? What do you think will happen in these games?

Football

Maracana stadium to be named after Brazil legend Pele

March 10, 2021 No Comments

Brazil’s iconic Maracana stadium is to be named in honour of the country’s legendary footballer Pele.

The move follows a vote by the Rio de Janeiro state legislature to change the venue’s name to the Edson Arantes do Nascimento – Rei Pele stadium.

Edson Arantes do Nascimento is the 80-year-old’s full name, while Rei means king in Portuguese.

The Rio de Janeiro’s state governor must approve the name change before it becomes official.

Pele, who won three World Cups as a player for Brazil, scored his 1,000th goal at the stadium in 1969 when playing for Santos against Vasco da Gama.

The Maracana held the 1950 and 2014 World Cup finals, as well as the opening ceremony of the 2016 Olympics.

More than 200,000 spectators are reported to have been in the stadium to watch Uruguay beat Brazil in the 1950 final, although its capacity is now 78,838.

It was named after Mario Filho, a journalist who lobbied for its construction in the 1940s, but was known as the Maracana after the area in which it is located.

John Barnes scored one of England's most iconic goals against Brazil in 1984 at the Maracana — John Barnes scored one of England’s most iconic goals against Brazil in 1984 at the Maracana

Football

Cavani does not feel comfortable in England–Father

March 10, 2021 No Comments

Manchester United striker Edinson Cavani “does not feel comfortable” and could move back to his native South America, his father said.

The Uruguay international, 34, joined United on a free transfer last October on an initial one-year deal having left Paris St-Germain.

He has scored seven goals in 25 appearances this season.

“There is a 60% chance that Edinson will come to South America,” Luis Cavani told the TyC Sports network.

However, on Tuesday night Cavani posted a photo on his Instagram account of him playing for United with the caption “proud to wear this shirt”.

In the interview with TyC Sports Luis Cavani said: “We are very anxious. We have always been to visit him, he has been in very beautiful places where people have received him very well.

“He has made himself loved, he has made many friends, but today he does not feel comfortable where he is.

“He has been thinking for more than two years that he wants to be closer to his family and that is the reason why I think Edi is going to end up playing for a team from here in South America.”

Cavani’s father said he could move to Boca Juniors in Argentina.

“I know that he would like to play and be close to his country, so that we could be closer to him,” Cavani senior added.Edinson Cavani missed Manchester United’s win over Manchester City on Sunday through injury

Football

FC Porto knocks Juventus out of round 16 Champion’s League

March 9, 2021 No Comments

Sergio Oliveira’s 115th-minute goal shocked Juventus to send Porto through in a stunning Champions League round of 16 tie despite a 3-2 second-leg win for the Italian side.

Oliveira’s long-range free-kick deep into the second half of extra time went through the legs of Cristiano Ronaldo in the Juventus wall to make it 2-2 on the night and give Porto the lead over two legs.

Adrien Rabiot’s thumping header two minutes later gave Juventus hope, only for Porto goalkeeper Agustin Marchesin to produce a stunning save in the final moments to ensure the Portuguese champions advanced on away goals.

Porto had opened up a 3-1 aggregate lead through Oliveira’s 19th-minute penalty after Merih Demiral brought down Porto’s Mehdi Taremi.

But Juventus’ Federico Chiesa found the far corner from a tight angle in the 49th minute before Taremi was shown a second yellow card for kicking the ball away.

And Chiesa headed in a Juan Cuadrado cross after 63 minutes to level the tie on aggregate.

It looked Juventus would capitalise on their man advantage but Porto defended superbly to take the match extra time where Oliveira’s decided the tie.

Football

Man of the match Haaland scored his 19th and 20 goalsgoals.

March 9, 2021 No Comments

Erling Braut Haaland scored his 19th and 20th goals in 14 Champions League appearances as Borussia Dortmund drew 2-2 with Sevilla to progress to the quarter-finals 5-4 on aggregate.

The 20-year-old striker opened the scoring on 35 minutes with what was his only touch in the opposition’s box in the first half, Marco Reus’ pull-back finding the Norwegian for an easy tap-in past goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.

If Haaland’s 19th Champions League goal was simple, his 20th was a test of nerve in the face of drama.

Early in the second half, he bullied his way past the Sevilla defence to find the net from a tight angle only to have the goal ruled out for a foul. But the video assistant referee awarded a penalty for a shirt-pull by Jules Kounde on Haaland in the build-up.

The Norwegian took the spot-kick himself and saw both his first attempt and his follow-up saved by Bounou.

The spectacle did not end there, however, as VAR determined Bounou had moved too early off his line and the penalty was taken again, with Haaland finally slotting home to give Dortmund a 5-2 advantage in the tie.

Sevilla kept their hopes alive through a Youssef En-Nesyri penalty, before the same man’s powerful header deep in added time made the final moments nervy for the Bundesliga side.

Dortmund have reached the last eight of the Champions League for the first time since the 2016-17 season and will find out their opponents when the draw is made on 19 March.

Football

Neymar jr has been ruled out of PSG’s Champion’s League tie against Barcelona

March 9, 2021 No Comments

Paris St-Germain have ruled Neymar out of the second leg of their last-16 Champions League tie against Barcelona.

The Brazil forward missed the first leg against his former side, which PSG won 4-1, with a thigh injury.

“Neymar returned to partial training with the squad last week and will continue to work back to fitness individually,” said a PSG statement.

Barcelona will be without defenders Gerard Pique and Ronald Araujo for the match in Paris on Wednesday.

Pique sustained a knee injury in the Copa del Rey semi-final win over Sevilla on 3 March, while Araujo has returned to training after an ankle problem but is not in the squad.

Ex-Liverpool midfielder Philippe Coutinho is still missing for the Spanish side because of a knee injury.

Barcelona, who lost 8-2 to eventual winners Bayern Munich in last season’s one-legged quarter-final, have made it past the last 16 of the Champions League in each of the past 13 seasons.

In 2016-17, they were beaten 4-0 by PSG in the last-16 first leg in Paris, before winning the second leg 6-1 in Spain.

Barcelona head coach Ronald Koeman remained optimistic his side could reach the quarter-finals and said: “It is always different to have a result like this.

“Losing 4-1 at home means we have to score goals away from home and it’s more complicated but nothing is impossible.

“We believe in ourselves – we know we are Barca and have to win and will demonstrate this mentality.”

PSG boss Mauricio Pochettino, who took Tottenham to the Champions League final in 2018-19, will also be without on-loan Everton striker Moise Kean as he is self-isolating because of coronavirus.

Neymar helped the French champions reach their first Champions League final last August and has scored 12 goals in 17 competitive fixtures this season.

Football

Cheers to Joachim Low as he steps down as manager

March 9, 2021 No Comments

Joachim Low will step down from his role as Germany manager after this summer’s European Championships.

The 61-year-old has been in charge of his country’s national team since replacing Jurgen Klinsmann in 2006.

He had a contract until the 2022 World Cup but approached the German Football Association (DFB) to end it early.

“I take this step very consciously, full of pride and enormous gratitude,” said Low, who led his country to victory at the 2014 World Cup.

He added that “at the same time” he continues “to be very motivated when it comes to the upcoming European Championship tournament”.

“I am proud because it is an honour for me to be involved and because I have been able to work with the best footballers in the country and support them in their development,” said Low.

Following the World Cup success in Brazil, Low guided Germany to the semi-finals of Euro 2016 where they were beaten by hosts France.

He then came under pressure after his side went out at the group stage of the 2018 World Cup.

“I have great triumphs with them and painful defeats, but above all many wonderful and magical moments – not just winning the 2014 World Cup in Brazil,” added Low.

“I am and will remain grateful to the DFB, which has always provided me and the team with an ideal working environment.”

Germany are in Group F with France, Hungary and Portugal for this summer’s European Championships, which will take place from 11 June to 11 July after being delayed by a year because of the coronavirus pandemic.

They open their campaign against France on 15 June at Allianz Arena in Munich.

DFB president Fritz Keller said: “The fact that he informed us about his decision at an early stage is very decent.

“He gives us the necessary time to name his successor.”

Football

Former La Liga Striker, Has Been Found Dead At The Age Of 25.

March 9, 2021 No Comments

Media outlets in Uruguay have confirmed the death of 25 year old Franco Acosta, the center forward has been missing since Saturday 6th of March, after he tried to cross a river. The terrible incident happened during an outing organised to celebrate his 25th birthday, it’s indeed a dark month for Uruguayan football and the world football at large.

The former U-20 Uruguay National team player, Franco Acosta, was last seen on 6th March 2021, attempting to swim with his brother across Arroyo Pando (a river), located in the Department of Canelones in Uruguay, when he disappeared. A police search was launched but unfortunately his lifeless body was later found, confirming that he died by drowning.

Franco Acosta was a former Villarreal youth player between 2015 and 2020, he was without a club until August 2020, when he signed with Atenas de San Carlos (an Uruguayan team), which was his current team, before the unfortunate incident. He was among the Uruguay youth international players to feature in the American youth tournament in 2015, where he scored two goals against Chile and overall netted in 6 goals.

Football

West Ham is really preparing for the next Champion’s League

March 9, 2021 No Comments

Midfielder Declan Rice said West Ham is a “special place to be” as they maintained their unlikely push for a place in next season’s Champions League with a deserved victory over Leeds United.

David Moyes’ side climbed to fifth in the Premier League – two points behind Chelsea, who beat Everton 2-0 earlier on Monday – and have a game in hand on their London rivals.

Jesse Lingard sparked West Ham into life at London Stadium when his menacing run into the penalty area drew a foul from Luke Ayling. Lingard, on loan from Manchester United, converted the rebound after his spot-kick was saved by Illan Meslier.

Leeds had found the net twice in a blistering opening spell, but Tyler Roberts’ finish was ruled out for a marginal offside against Helder Costa, and Raphinha ran the ball out of play before crossing to Patrick Bamford.

But they were two goals down before half-time when the unmarked Craig Dawson headed in Aaron Cresswell’s corner.

Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds went close to a response five minutes after the restart when Raphinha’s sensational overhead attempt was tipped over by Lukasz Fabianski, while Bamford blazed over from Raphinha’s cut-back and Dawson cleared off the line as Leeds chased a late lifeline.

Pablo Fornals struck the crossbar for the hosts with a dipping second-half shot, but the Hammers ultimately held firm at the back to see out the three points.

“I’m disappointed with the performance,” England international Rice told Sky Sports. “We won but Leeds caused us a problems. Now we are starting to learn how to win ugly.

“This is the best squad I have been a part of. You look forward to training and seeing the lads and that shows on the pitch. We are fighting for each other. It is real special place to be at the moment. The place has a real buzz about it.

“It is hard to say we are going to be [in the] Champions League – there are so many games left. It will be a real tough test, but look where we are now and it is a massive upgrade. It is in our hands. If we want to believe we can be a European team we need to win the big games”.

Football

“Breaking Roger Federer’s record has not been easy.”—Djokovic Novak

March 8, 2021 No Comments

Novak Djokovic says it has taken “a lot of blood, sweat and tears” to break Roger Federer’s record of 310 weeks ranked as world number one.

The 33-year-old Serb set the record on Monday for most weeks at number one in the 48-year history of the ATP rankings.

“My family have supported me for day one,” he told BBC World Service.

Djokovic won his 18th Grand Slam singles title and his ninth Australian Open crown in Melbourne last month.

Djokovic, whose longest continuous run at the top was 122 weeks between July 2014 and November 2016, paid tribute to the 39-year-old Federer, who is competing at this week’s Qatar Open, his first tournament since the Australian Open in 2020.

“What Roger is doing still at his age is something that is very inspirational for me and many other tennis players, and it’s great to see him back,” said Djokovic.

The Serb’s Australian Open triumph leaves him only two wins behind the joint holders of the men’s Grand Slam singles record, Federer and Rafael Nadal – the men he said had made him the player he is today.

“When I started in the men’s professional tennis world 15 years ago, I had two of the highest challenges, which was to overcome Roger and Rafa.

“Back in 2008, when I won my first Grand Slam, I thought OK, this is now my time. I’m going to be competing with these guys; I have the ability to win slams.

“But then, for three years, I didn’t win a major title and I was losing most of my big matches against them.

“They made me really sit and realise what I need to do, and how I need to improve in order to win against them.

“They definitely made me the player that I am today. Those rivalries are the ones that were the most impactful on my tennis game and evolution,” he said.

After setting a new rankings record, Djokovic is focused on adding to his Grand Slam titles.

“I cannot run away from that fact that I’m not 23 any more, so I have to try to be smart with my scheduling and be able to emphasise and prioritise the Grand Slams,” he said.

Entertainment, Football

Messi, teammates elects Laporte as Barcelona President.

March 8, 2021 No Comments

Barcelona have once again elected Juan Laporta as their president.

He replaced the embattled and ousted Josep Maria Bartomeu.
Club members voted 58-year-old Mr. Laporta to defeat rivals Victor Font and Toni Freixa on Sunday, NAN reports.
Mr. Laporta, who was at the helm from 2003 to 2010, amassed 19,293 votes after 75 percent of votes were counted, earning him victory.
His closest rival, Mr. Font had 10,404 votes, while Freixa came third with 3,346 votes.

Celebrating his victory at Camp Nou, he tried to inspire the confidence of the players and fans regarding the club’s Wednesday’s UEFA Champions League last 16-second leg tie against Paris Saint Germain.
“Let’s go to Paris and see if we can turn it around,” Mr. Laporta said despite Barcelona heading into the clash 4-1 behind.

The election for his replacement became necessary after Mr. Bartomeu stepped down in October following a vote of no confidence.
Mr. Laporta’s greatest challenge will now be how to offset the club’s gross debt of about €1.2 billion and probably how to keep their best player, Lionel Messi, whose contract expires in the summer and can leave the club for free.
Amongst the voters were Messi himself, his teammates, and former president Bartomeu.
Resulting from a social media scandal, ‘Barcagate,’ police had last week put Mr. Bartomeu in detention while they carried out an investigation regarding alleged corrupt practices with a company contracted to pilot the affairs of the club’s online presence.

Football

Meet the President of Barcelona FC

March 8, 2021 No Comments

Joan Laporta has been named as Barcelona president for a second time after winning the club’s election.

Laporta, whose central pledge was to keep Lionel Messi at the club, won more than 54% of the vote.

The 58-year-old, who oversaw the appointment of Pep Guardiola as head coach in his previous spell at the club between 2003-2010, succeeds Josep Maria Bartomeu who resigned in October.

Victor Font was second with 30% of the vote, with Toni Freixa a distant third.

Barcelona said 55,611 of its 109,531 eligible members voted in the election, which was postponed from January because of coronavirus restrictions in Catalonia.

Laporta signed the likes of Brazilian superstar Ronaldinho and former Cameroon forward Samuel Eto’o in his first stint as president, with the club winning the Champions League twice, four La Liga titles and the Copa del Rey.

Messi also emerged as a world star during that period and was among several current Barca players to vote in the election.

Amid champagne celebrations on Sunday evening, Laporta shouted: “Now let’s go to Paris and see if we can make another ‘remontada’ [comeback] happen!

“Seeing Leo [Messi] go to vote, the best player in the world, voting with his son, for me, this shows what we’ve said all along, that Leo loves Barca, that we are all a big family. Hopefully that helps him to stay which is what we all want.”

Barcelona face Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday in the Champions League last 16, with a 4-1 deficit to make up from the opening leg.

Longer term, Laporta’s task will be to rebuild a club in crisis, with crippling debts exacerbated by the pandemic and Messi considering leaving for free when his contract expires this summer.

Laporta With Ronaldinho during the first tenure

Football

AC Milan climbs victory ladder tonight

March 7, 2021 No Comments

Diogo Dalot’s goal was his first for AC Milan in Serie A since joining the club in October

AC Milan moved within touching distance of Serie A leaders Inter Milan with a comfortable victory at Verona.

Despite being without injured top scorer Zlatan Ibrahimovic, it appeared to be a welcome return to form for Milan, who have faltered of late.

Rade Krunic’s superb free-kick put them in charge and Manchester United loanee Diogo Dalot scored a brilliant second after the break.

The result leaves Stefano Pioli’s side three points behind city rivals Inter.

Antonio Conte’s Inter team could regain a six-point lead at the top of the table if they win their home game in hand against Atalanta on Monday (19:45 GMT).

Milan, who had arrived in Verona with just one win from their four previous Serie A fixtures, led the table from October until midway through February and are chasing their first Scudetto for a decade.